swimming in the sump pit

You know, when I was in school I didn't know for sure what I wanted to study or do when I done. Fortunately I was in a fairly exploratory environment that did not demand declaration of a major and minor on entrance. My high school counselor was so worthless my parents refused to even let me talk to him for my sophomore year on.

Some years back now, when I wanted a career change, I put myself through a barrage of the strangest tests you can ever imagine with one of the top industrial psychology firms in the country. They develop and score tests from all over. There were some aptitude things like dominate SAT/ACT and many personality index tests. But then I was asked all kinds of questions and even made to draw things. The process was painless because I had nothing to prove and knew the guys to the point they took me to lunch. They said I completed tests in record time so they kept giving me more. Not necessarily a good thing as it turned out.

At the end, they sat down with me and went over the results. They compared my tests to a giant statistical pool and showed me exactly where I fit with others ranging from florists to senior military officers and what I would have to go through to achieve different careers. I thought I was a great manager of people but it turns out only of those with similar aspiration and conviction. I could never make the hard decisions of a CEO or US President---even if well staffed.

I think the testing, evaluation and printed report cost me $300. It may be more now. But over the years since? And I know "kids" entering school are test barraged and anxious but why not put them through ones like I took that were actually fun? I paid my own way and certainly did not spend $40K a year but I realize my educational experience was beyond unique. With the test results in hand though I wonder if I would have explored differently? Last edited by sdsester; 05-09-2012 at 12:06 PM.